1. Get in touch with an old friend. Psychotherapy is based on the idea that talking about your troubles helps relieve them. You can reap similar benefits by talking with a trusted friend. When was the last time you had a nice long chat with that old pal of yours?

2. Love your pet. At the University of Buffalo in New York, psychologist Karen Allen, Ph.D., studied 100 women who lived alone. Half the women had dogs. The others were ­petless. The pet owners had lower blood pressure. Other studies confirm pets’ stress-relieving power. Pets aren’t for everyone. But if you love animals, a pet can help you cope with stress.

3. Connect with plants. Tending a garden or houseplants can also be calming. Anyone can grow a windowsill herb garden. Bring some potted plants to work. “Gardening is my main stress reliever,” says noted herbalist James Duke, Ph.D., of Fulton, Maryland. “I grow about 300 herbs. I take care of them, and they take care of me.”

4. Look forward to something. When stress strikes, recall that next weekend you and your husband will return to the romantic bed and breakfast where he proposed. “Looking forward to something enjoyable provides calming perspective,” Elkin says.

Most Popular

Subscribe today and save 58%

Subscribe to Mother Earth Living!

Welcome to Mother Earth Living, the authority on green lifestyle and design. Each issue of Mother Earth Living features advice to create naturally healthy and nontoxic homes for yourself and your loved ones. With Mother Earth Living by your side, you’ll discover all the best and latest information you want on choosing natural remedies and practicing preventive medicine; cooking with a nutritious and whole-food focus; creating a nontoxic home; and gardening for food, wellness and enjoyment. Subscribe to Mother Earth Living today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save Money & a Few Trees!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $5 and get six issues of Mother Earth Living for just $14.95! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)